Manitoba MLAs demand bail reform after tragic highway crash

Manitoba MLAs are calling for immediate changes to the bail system after a young woman died in a crash near Portage la Prairie in January. 

MLAs passed a motion this week that demands stronger enforcement and aims to keep criminals who violate their release conditions behind bars.

Kellie Verwey, 28, was killed in a three-vehicle collision on Highway 26 on January  16. 

Police said the driver who struck her had a warrant out for failing to comply with his release conditions. 

The driver James Lorne Hilton, 24, is now facing multiple charges, including impaired driving causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

Politicians in Portage la Prairie pushed for bail reform on behalf of Verwey’s family, calling her death a “systemic failure” that robbed a promising young woman of her life. 

Verwey’s mother Meechelle Best told reporters at the Manitoba Legislature that passing the motion on what would have been her daughter’s birthday honours Verwey’s legacy and her desire to make the world better.

Introduced by Progressive Conservative MLA Jeff Bereza, the motion originally proposed creating a bail enforcement branch within the Manitoba Sheriff’s Department. 

After feedback from the Manitoba NDP, it was changed to stronger bail enforcement without relying solely on sheriffs. 

Bereza said all parties must work together to prevent future tragedies. 

“How much more do we give these people a chance?” said Bereza. 

"It's important for us to take back this province and take back the justice system."

Premier Wab Kinew acknowledged the province must follow federal rules on bail but said his government is pressing ahead with safety measures. 

Kinew pointed to Manitoba’s five-point plan on community safety, which includes funding for police to find those who break bail conditions and for improved data sharing among law enforcement agencies.

Justice Minister Matt Wiebe said the government is implementing the new measures quickly. 

Wiebe also repeated calls for the federal government to strengthen the Criminal Code to support real bail reform. 

“We should be lockstep,” said Wiebe. 

“They should join all voices calling for bail reform at the federal level.”

The province has expanded its electronic monitoring program. 

As of early March, about 71 electronic monitors were in use.

Officials said these moves will help keep Manitobans safer and prevent further heartbreak for victims families. 

Bereza stressed that the legislature will keep the government accountable for carrying out swift and effective bail reforms.